Hank's Happy; Fargas Hopeful
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Hank's Happy; Fargas Hopeful
Les Bowen
After agreeing to a one-year contract with the Eagles, wideout Hank Baskett told reporters at NovaCare today he was glad to be back in a familiar place, where he knows the offense and is comfortable with his role.
Baskett seems to be hoping that in leaving the Indianapolis Colts -- who did not tender him as a restricted free agent -- maybe he won't have to spend the rest of his life explaining what happened on that onside kick in the Super Bowl.
Baskett said he knew when the Saints won the game that the surprise onside kick to start the second half, which caromed off him, would be much-discussed, as one of the pivotal plays. But he said it became a much bigger deal than he or his then-teammates anticipated. Baskett said he felt at one point he had reclaimed the ball under the pile, but by the time it all got sorted out, the Saints had it back.
"It was a long battle," he said. "It seemed like we were under there about a half-hour."
Baskett, cut by the Eagles early last season to make roster room for Michael Vick, said he was impressed with Marlin Jackson's work ethic, particularly how the defensive back remained a part of the Indy locker room after his season-ending ACL injury. Baskett predicted fans would like Jackson, signed this week to play free safety for the Birds.
"He's a blue-collar guy, which definitely fits in in Philly," Baskett said.
Baskett played three years, plus last year's season -opener, with the Eagles, after being acquired in a trade with Minnesota for the unfortgettable Billy McMullen.
Later, the Eagles allowed free agent running back Justin Fargas to meet with reporters during his NovaCare visit. Fargas might be more of an impact signing than Baskett, but he hasn't signed, though he said he'd certainly like to do so. The team later indicated that Fargas will not be signed today, anyway.
Fargas has spent his seven NFL seasons in the Oakland madhouse. To him, Philadelphia is a bastion of stability and sanity, and never mind that he isn't a prototypical West Coast, pass-catching back.
"I've had five head coaches in seven years," he said. "I can adapt easily."
Fargas, a hard-running 6-1, 220, said he is "excited about the opportunity here."
He didn't have a definitive answer when asked how talks were going or if he expected to sign.
"I'm following my agent's lead," he said. Agent David Dunn has not responded to requests for comment.
It's a signing that registers a 2 on the excitement scale but he does know the offense and at 6'4" should help in the red zone. With a QB that knows how to throw the fade. A sign that McNabb's gone?— Rick Wise Guy- If Marlin Jackson's knees are okay signing him could turn out to be huge for the Eagles. There's no question the guy is a grade A talent. He's only 26 years old.— soulman386
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i guess he's a good pickup. knows the O, has some height, good for a 4th or 5th option. i would guess this means Curtis will be shown the door....- Rick Wise Guy- How is Baskett going to magiclly starting helping in the red zone know when he hasn't before? He is a 5th WR/special teams guy at best- Id say he's not even a lock to make this team.— phila215
honestly he is a great 4th or 5th WR for this team. since they have done nothing in FA it all comes down to the draft and what trades they might make. my 6-10 prediction still stands.- HollyHood: I wouldn't say bringing in Hank was "being cheap". Maybe getting Jackson instead of going after Rolle was, or not upping the ante for Peppers...but their top 3 WRs are set. Are they supposed to go out and spend a lot of money on a 4th or 5th WR who won't see the field much? C'mon here...I know the management does a lot of things that are frustrating, but bringing back a guy who knows the offense to be our 4th or 5th WR and play special teams isn't supposed to be a huge impact signing - but it'll hopefully be a solid addition. Are they supposed to overpay for Coles or another older veteran who can't play that role? They didn't opt for Baskett over someone else because he was cheaper?— dawk2020
- HollywoodQ's post should be removed. whoever it is, is obviously a classless juvenile.— phillyjim7
whoopty do!!!!— birds748- Baskett is a better option than Reggie Brown was but unlike Rick Wise Guy, I don't see Hank as a threat for fade tosses. Never has been, won't be now, but Birds needs a receiver at his size against smaller DBs. Overall, Hank will still be Hank. Don't expect any more than what he gave before which was an occasional flash about twice during the season.— dapmman
- What on earth does he contribute? The arrogance of this organization is frightening.— Tech_Triumph
- As long as he's not on special teams.— Kevie Kev
- Who's next Reno Mahe?— K_Ball
- dawk2020 HollyWoodQ is right! why would u pay for Antonio Bryant or Lavernous Coles at about 5 mil a year to play the 4th receiver position? Baskett knows the offense and can play well on special teams so its a low risk move. Plus none of use know what the Eagles intend to do in the Draft. I hope they trade/cut Curtis and get someone to play the 4th receiver position and maybe give some competition. People forget in 2008 Baskett was our second leading receiver so just relax its not like they gonna start him (at least I hope not) lol— matic18
- This is only a good signing if his wife strips on the sideline in front of Reid every time the camera goes to him, so we don't have to see that tub of lard make bad decisions every game!— stevemasjr
